Executives from five leading trading card companies have agreed to participate on a “future of the category’’ panel discussion to launch the 2012 Industry Summit.

The “Fearless Forecast’’ panel, which will open the Summit’s business session on Monday, March 19, features these distinguished executives:

Mark Warsop, CEO, Panini America.
Mark Sapir, VP, The Topps Company.
Jason Masherah, VP, Upper Deck.
Yumi Hoashi, VP, Konami Digital Entertainment.
Scott Gaeta, COO, Cryptozoic Entertainment.
Summit host Kevin Isaacson will moderate the discussion, which will cover topics ranging from retail shelf space to hobby shop development/diversification and the potential for additional direct-to-consumer business.

“This discussion will provide a compelling snapshot of our business’ short-term future,’’ Isaacson said. “I am very interested to see which discussion points generate consensus among the panelists – as well as those which indicate a unique perspective from one or more executives.’’

Additional panel discussions and panelists will be announced throughout the week as industry executives prepare for the 2012 Summit, scheduled March 18-21 at The Orleans Hotel. Click Here for More Information about our industry's annual trade conference.